As the festive season envelops us in its magical glow, there’s something truly special about the shared anticipation of a grand holiday feast. Picture the twinkling lights, the warmth of a crackling fire, and the laughter of loved ones echoing through the air. This Christmas, I invite you to embark on a culinary adventure that not only embraces the essence of traditional holiday roasts but also champions the spirit of compassion. My Vegan Roast Ham, a flavourful marvel born from wholesome ingredients, is here to be the heart and soul of your festive table—a celebration of taste, tradition, and the joy of plant-based indulgence. So, grab your apron, let the aroma of holiday spices guide you, and join me in creating a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family in friends. Get ready to infuse your festivities with love, laughter, and the irresistible charm of a plant-based holiday delight.

Comfort Food

Rekindling Nostalgic Memories:

For many, holiday memories are intertwined with the aroma of a roasting ham, evoking a sense of warmth and togetherness. My Vegan Roast Ham aims to capture that essence, offering a plant-based alternative that brings back the joy of nostalgic holiday gatherings. With every slice, savour the familiar tastes of the season without compromising on your values.

Why Choose Vegan Roast Ham:

Beyond the delightful memories, choosing my Vegan Roast Ham over traditional meat alternatives is a conscious step towards a healthier and more compassionate holiday celebration. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like vital wheat gluten, silken tofu, and a medley of flavourful plant-based components, this roast provides a satisfying and nutritious option for your festive feast. Say goodbye to cholesterol and saturated fats without sacrificing taste.

Good For You!

Protein Content: My Vegan Roast Ham is a protein-packed delight, making it an excellent choice for those looking to meet their nutritional needs during the holiday season. Vital wheat gluten, the primary ingredient in seitan, is renowned for its high protein content. In just a 100-gram serving of vital wheat gluten, you can expect to find approximately 75 grams of protein, making it a substantial source for those seeking plant-based protein alternatives.

Vital Wheat Gluten: Vital wheat gluten is derived from wheat flour by removing the starch, leaving behind a highly concentrated protein substance. It’s a versatile and essential component in plant-based cooking, known for its unique ability to mimic the texture and consistency of meat when prepared as seitan. Beyond its impressive protein content, vital wheat gluten is rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and essential amino acids, contributing to a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Each serving of the Vegan Roast Ham is estimated to provide approximately 45 grams of protein. This makes it a substantial and protein-rich option for those seeking a nutritious plant-based alternative during the holidays.

Ingredients

For the Seitan Ham:

• 400g vital wheat gluten
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 300g cooked, peeled beetroot
• 190g silken tofu
• 4 tbsp white or brown miso paste
• 3 tbsp Marmite
• 50ml vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp liquid smoke
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• 200ml vegetable stock
• Sea salt flakes

For the brown sugar glaze:

• 150g soft light brown sugar
• 60g maple or agave syrup
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 60ml apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp black peppercorns, ground
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground allspice

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: Approximately 30 minutes (excluding steaming time)
• Steaming Time: 3 hours
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• Roasting Time: 40 minutes

Total Time:

• Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes

Servings:

• The recipe yields a hearty vegan roast that can serve about 6-8 people.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seitan Dough:
   • In a bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, onion powder, and garlic powder.
   • In a high-speed blender, blend the remaining seitan ham ingredients until smooth.
   • Pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients and knead until a dough forms.
   • Shape the dough into a roast joint shape and wrap it tightly in clingfilm.
2. Steam the Seitan Ham:
   • Place a steamer basket in a large pan of water and put the wrapped seitan ham into the basket.
   • Cover with a lid and steam for 3 hours, ensuring the pan doesn’t dry out by topping up water as needed.
3. Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze:
   • In a small pan, combine all the glaze ingredients over low heat.
   • Simmer until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove from heat.
4. Roast the Seitan Ham:
   • Preheat the oven to 200C/fan.
   • Unwrap the steamed ham and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
   • Score diamond shapes into the surface using a sharp knife.
   • Place the ham in a roasting tray and baste with half of the prepared glaze.
   • Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and roast for 40 minutes.
   • Baste every 10 minutes with the remaining glaze until the edges are crisp and gently browned.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove from the oven, baste one final time, and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
   • Serve this delectable Vegan Seitan Ham with your favourite holiday sides for a memorable and cruelty-free feast.

Recipe Tips!

• Make sure to monitor the water level during the steaming process to prevent the pan from drying out.
• Keep an eye on the seitan while roasting to ensure it achieves the desired level of browning without burning.
• Allow the roasted seitan to rest for 15 minutes before slicing for optimal texture and flavour.
• Serve the Vegan Seitan Ham with your favourite holiday sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.

Leftovers

Make the most of your Vegan Roast Ham by efficiently storing leftovers. Kept in an airtight container, the seitan ham can last in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy its savoury goodness throughout the week. For longer preservation, consider freezing portions in sealed bags or containers; properly stored, it can maintain its quality for up to three months. Now, let’s explore five delightful ways to repurpose these leftovers into a variety of enticing meals.

1. Seitan Ham Sandwich: Thinly slice the leftover seitan ham and layer it between your preferred bread slices. Elevate it with vegan mayo or mustard, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato for a satisfying and quick sandwich.
2. Seitan Ham Stir-Fry: Cut the seitan into bite-sized pieces and incorporate it into a vibrant vegetable stir-fry. Sauté with an array of colourful veggies, toss in your favourite stir-fry sauce, and serve over a bed of rice or noodles for a flavourful and wholesome meal.
3. Seitan Ham Fried Rice: Dice the leftover seitan and infuse it into a vegan fried rice masterpiece. Combine it with a medley of vegetables, aromatic spices, and your favourite plant-based sauces for a quick and delicious meal.
4. Seitan Ham Pasta or Curry: For a heartier option, mix diced seitan into your favourite pasta dish or curry. The savoury flavors of the seitan will complement the sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying entrée.
5. Seitan Ham and Potato Hash: Take your leftovers to breakfast by dicing seitan and sautéing it with potatoes, onions, and spices. This savoury morning hash makes for a delightful start to the day.

In wrapping up, my Vegan Roast Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze invites you to create new holiday memories while honouring the flavours of the past. Embrace the warmth of tradition without compromising your values, choosing a healthier and more compassionate alternative for a festive feast that delights the senses. May this recipe become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations, filled with joy, love, and the delicious essence of the season. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

Comment, Like and Share!

The joy of cooking is best when shared. Invite your loved ones to experience the magic of plant-based dining with you. Share this recipe with a friend, family member, or colleague who appreciates the art of delicious and healthy eating. Together, let’s spread the warmth and wellness that this dish brings.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe, or do you plan to? Do you have any personal twists or leftover uses? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas in the comments below. Your culinary journey is part of our ongoing conversation, and I can’t wait to read your delicious insights!

Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me through social media using the hashtag #TheHappyDiet and #EatSmileInspire, and stay tuned for more delightful recipes from around the globe!

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